It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Mabel Rose McClaskey Born, 97, announces that she peacefully returned to her heavenly home on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Mabel was born in Coal Grove, Ohio, and lived in Ironton, Ohio before moving to Newport News with her husband and children in 1956. In Newport News, she was a loved resident of the Green Oaks neighborhood for 61 years, and never hesitated to help her fellow neighbors in need.

Mabel was a longtime member of Ivy Farms Church of the Brethren, where she served in many areas of ministry. As a church member, she served on the board as a deacon; and, was very active with the Women’s Fellowship, which she served as president for many years. She started a quilting group that completed numerous quilts. Mabel also loved caring for children. During services she often worked in the church nursery. Mabel also accompanied youth groups to the COB National Youth Conference in Colorado.

Mabel led monthly soup kitchens in partnership with The Salvation Army. She loved the hobby of making miniatures and was a member of the Peninsula Heritage Miniature Society and the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) for 44 years. Mabel enjoyed making many friends while attending yearly NAME conventions and workshops.

Mabel was part owner of Grafton Hobby Center in Grafton, VA. She loved to cook, crochet, and she and her daughter Pat took many road trips across the U.S.

Mabel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Alfred Born Sr., whom she was married to for 58 years until his death in 2001; and her grandson, Joey Born.

Mabel is survived by her four children: Robert A. Born Jr. (Jean), Larry E. Born (Betty Jo), Ina Waples (Bill), and Pat Vanderheyden; her seven grandchildren: Don, Eddie, John, Tina, Julie, Jimmy, and Michelle; 21 great-grandchildren: Ally, Brooke, Kyle, Ben, Sarah, Jessica, Tori, Robbie, Jeffrey, Andrew, Nicholas, Tyler, Abby, Courtney, Matthew, Brianne, Dylan, Kayleigh, Deanna, John Jr., and Emma; and six great-great grandchildren: Preston, Emmi, Koltyn, Brennan, Thomas, and Mason.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 27, 12:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank (https://hrfoodbank.org/) or to Ivy Farms Church of the Brethren (681 Dresden Dr.,Newport News, VA 23601).

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the nurses and staff at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion these last few months.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.